From New Zealand to copenhagen: One Man’s argentine Empanada Empire
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A lifelong passion for Argentina, sparked by a childhood memory of the 1986 World Cup, has blossomed into a thriving culinary business in Denmark for one New Zealander.Andrew Harris, owner of Laboca, has built a reputation for authentic Argentine empanadas and a curated selection of national products, bringing a taste of South America to Scandinavia.
“We don’t watch much football in New Zealand, so it was something wholly new to me,” he recalled.With rugby dominating the national sporting landscape, the World Cup provided a pivotal moment of discovery. “It was the perfect moment to discover Maradona in all his greatness and, after that, I became a fan.” This early captivation woudl lay the foundation for a future deeply intertwined with Argentine gastronomy.
From Wine Bars to Empanadas: A Culinary Journey
Harris’s path to becoming an Argentine culinary entrepreneur began in 1998 with a move to Copenhagen for love. In 2010, he accepted a position as head chef at Malbeck, an Argentine wine bar and restaurant owned by two Danes who had previously lived and studied in Argentina. Lacking prior experience in argentine cuisine, Harris embarked on a journey of research and immersion.He was soon invited on an inspiration trip to Argentina, specifically Mendoza, a region renowned for it’s vineyards.
“A trip focused primarily on wine,” Harris explained,”They imported everything for the bar directly from small producers,so it was an opportunity to meet the wineries they worked with.” Beyond the wine, though, it was the people and the food that captivated him. “What struck me most was the enormous kindness and generosity of the people I met, and the absolute beauty of the environment.” This experience solidified his love for Argentina and ultimately inspired the creation of Laboca.
Laboca: A Taste of Buenos Aires in Denmark
Opened in 2017, Laboca is strategically located in Torvehallerne, Copenhagen’s most prestigious market hall. The restaurant’s name and aesthetic are directly inspired by the iconic La Boca neighborhood of Buenos aires, known for its vibrant colors and passionate connection to football legend Diego Maradona. “It is a market that not only has restaurants and bars, but also classic stalls such as butchers, fishmongers, bakeries and cafes,” Harris noted. “There couldn’t be a better place to have a business and represent Argentina.”
The heart of Laboca’s menu lies in its diverse selection of empanadas. currently offering 12 varieties,the restaurant produces between 1,000 and 1,500 empanadas daily,a volume unmatched by any other establishment in Copenhagen. “We mainly sell empanadas as I fell in love with the concept when I traveled through Argentina,” Harris stated. “They are very versatile and there are many good reasons to buy them: they are swift to serve, they are eaten by hand, they can be shared among many people, the fillings can be as creative as you want, and they are affordable.”
Alongside the empanadas, Laboca also specializes in alfajores, offering four distinct varieties: traditional, cornstarch, triple chocolate, and white chocolate with walnut and raspberry.The restaurant also distinguishes itself by offering a curated selection of Argentine products, including dulce de leche, Bon o Bon, Chocolinas, yerba, and more, effectively creating a small corner of Argentina within Denmark.
Expansion on the Horizon
Looking ahead, Harris plans to expand laboca’s offerings with the addition of a grill, a feature previously unavailable due to logistical constraints. He also envisions opening Laboca 2 in Copenhagen’s Nordvest neighborhood, a growing area with a diverse population. This larger location will serve as a central production facility for the empanadas and feature a more substantial grill. “If everything goes as planned, we hope to open several more Laboca branches in the city,” Harris concluded, signaling a continued commitment to sharing the flavors and culture of Argentina with Denmark.
